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Public Health Informatics and Technology

Public Health Informatics and Technology Competency Model

The Public Health Informatics and Technology (PHIT) Competency Model was developed through a collaborative effort involving the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) and recipients of the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) PHIT Workforce Development grant to identify the competencies needed, as well as to define the technical knowledge, skills, and abilities needed by professionals working in the field of public health informatics and technology. This model builds on the existing Building Blocks using foundational Tiers 1 through 3, with Tiers 4 and 5 being developed for PHIT.

The industry tiers of the model were shared with multiple stakeholders for their input, including ONC PHIT grantees, the American Public Health Association, the American Medical Informatics Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and numerous other organizations and individuals with knowledge of and a stake in public health informatics.

Please note that this is not a comprehensive description of public health competencies, but rather of a description of public health information technology competencies. Similarly, it is not a description of health care information technology competencies. In addition, information sciences is a continually evolving field.

Model content may include lists and examples; these are illustrative and as such, may not be comprehensive.

The following model content may contain the trade names or trademarks of various third parties, and if so, any such use is solely for illustrative purposes. All product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use here does not imply any affiliation with, endorsement by, or association of any kind between these third parties and DOL ETA.

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Public Health Informatics and Technology Competency Model


Public Health Informatics and Technology Blocks Pyramid

<strong>1.1 Interpersonal Skills</strong> Displaying the skills to work effectively with others from diverse backgrounds. <strong>1.2 Integrity</strong> Displaying strong moral principles and work ethic. <strong>1.3 Professionalism</strong> Maintaining a professional presence. <strong>1.4 Initiative</strong> Demonstrating a commitment to effective job performance by taking action on one’s own and following through to get the job done. <strong>1.5 Dependability and Reliability</strong> Displaying responsible behaviors at work. <strong>1.6 Adaptability and Flexibility</strong> Displaying the capability to adapt to new, different, or changing requirements. <strong>1.7 Lifelong Learning</strong> Demonstrating a commitment to self-development and improvement of knowledge and skills. <strong>2.1 Reading</strong> Understanding written sentences, paragraphs, and figures in work-related documents on paper, on computers, or adaptive devices. <strong>2.2 Writing</strong> Using standard business English to compile information and prepare written documents on paper, on computers, or adaptive devices. <strong>2.3 Mathematics</strong> Using mathematics to solve problems. <strong>2.4 Science and Technology</strong> Using scientific rules and methods to express ideas and solve problems on paper, on computers, or on adaptive devices. <strong>2.5 Communication</strong> Listening, speaking, and signaling so others can understand using a variety of methods including hearing, speech, American Sign Language, instant messaging, text-to-speech devices, etc. <strong>2.6 Critical and Analytical Thinking</strong> Using logical thought processes to analyze information and draw conclusions. <strong>2.7 Basic Computer Skills</strong> Using information technology and related applications, including adaptive devices and software, to convey and retrieve information. <strong>3.1 Teamwork</strong> Working cooperatively with others to complete work assignments. <strong>3.2 Customer Focus</strong> Efficiently and effectively addressing the needs of clients/customers. <strong>3.3 Planning and Organizing</strong> Planning and prioritizing work to manage time effectively and accomplish assigned tasks. <strong>3.4 Creative Thinking</strong> Generating innovative and creative solutions. <strong>3.5 Problem Solving and Decision-Making</strong> Generating, evaluating, and implementing solutions to problems. <strong>3.6 Working with Tools and Technology</strong> Selecting, using, and maintaining tools and technology, including adaptive tools and technology to facilitate work activity (with accommodation when necessary). <strong>3.7 Scheduling and Coordinating</strong> Making arrangements that fulfill all requirements as efficiently and economically as possible. <strong>3.8 Checking, Examining, and Recording</strong> Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/digital format, including adaptive devices and software. <strong>3.9 Business Fundamentals</strong> Using information on basic business principles, trends, and economics. <strong>3.10 Sustainable Practices</strong> Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. <strong>3.11 Health and Safety</strong> Supporting a safe and healthy workplace. <strong>4.1 Public Health Informatics and Technology Industry Fundamentals</strong> Describe and leverage the organization and delivery of public health services in the United States <strong>4.2 Public Health Program Management and Delivery</strong> <strong>4.3 Public Health IT Ethics</strong> <strong>4.4 Laws and Regulations</strong> <strong>5.1 PHIT Literacy and Skills</strong> Knowledge of the existing and emerging principles and concepts of public health information technology <strong>5.2 Public Health Informatics Skills</strong> <strong>5.3 Privacy and Confidentiality</strong> <strong>5.4 Public Health Information Security and Quality</strong> Click here to search for O*NET Occupational Competencies Profiles